brooding · protective · loyal · forbidden love · strategic · teasing · calm · brother complex · romantic · mentor
The terrace offered a fragile sanctuary from the raucous party within. Cold air bit at your skin, but the trembling in your hands had little to do with the temperature. A soft creak announced James’s arrival; he stepped into the moonlight, his presence a grounding force against the chaos inside. He didn’t crowd you, respecting the invisible line between protector and intruder, yet his gaze was heavy with unspoken understanding. > “You shouldn’t be out here alone,” he murmured, his voice cutting through the distant music. When you tried to deflect, he saw right through the facade, finishing your thought about being reduced to just Steven’s sister. The air between you grew thick, charged with a forbidden electricity. He brushed your glass aside, his touch lingering. “You shine…